Method and kit for converting a non-motion decoy to a motion decoy

ABSTRACT

A method for converting a non-motion decoy into a motion decoy includes the steps of: (a) removing at least a portion of a keel from the non-motion decoy, (b) properly orienting a motion drive system relative to a body of the non-motion decoy and (c) mounting the motion drive system to the body in order to convert the non-motion decoy into a motion decoy. A kit for the same purpose includes (1) a motion drive system adapted for providing motion to a converted decoy, (2) a fastener adapted to secure the motion drive system to a body of the non-motion decoy and (3) instructions for completing the conversion of the non-motion decoy into a motion decoy.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/106,605, filed on Oct. 28, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to the field of hunting decoys and, more particularly, to a method and kit for converting a non-motion decoy to a motion decoy.

BACKGROUND

Many duck hunters have static or non-motion decoys that emulate a duck (a) floating calmly in the water with its head-up or (b) feeding with its tail up and its head appearing to be underwater. While such decoys are shaped like ducks, they do not emulate any motion of ducks in the water. This document describes a method and a related kit for converting such non-motion decoys into motion decoys that appear more lifelike and realistic looking by emulating swimming or feeding ducks in action.

Such a method and kit provide a number of significant benefits. First, if a hunter is able to convert a non-motion duck decoy he already owns into a motion duck decoy, he doesn't have to buy another duck decoy. Second, where the hunter favors a particular make and model of duck decoy not offered by the manufacturer as a motion product, the hunter can convert the non-motion decoy to a motion product in a quick and efficient manner. Third, since the resulting converted motion decoy more closely emulates the movements of an actual duck, it attracts the attention of live ducks, drawing those live ducks toward the converted motion decoy.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, a new and improved method is provided for converting a non-motion decoy into a motion decoy. That method comprises, consists of or consists essentially of the steps of: (a) removing at least a portion of a keel from the non-motion decoy, (b) properly orienting a motion drive system to a body of the non-motion decoy and (c) mounting the motion drive system to the body in order to convert the non-motion decoy into a motion decoy.

In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the method, the step of removing at least a portion of the keel includes cutting the portion of the keel from the body of the non-motion decoy.

In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the method, the method also includes the step of using a bracket to mount the motion drive system to the body of the decoy.

In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the method, the step of removing at least a portion of the keel includes cutting the weighted portion of the keel from the keel mounting flange that is left attached to the body. Further, the mounting of the motion drive system may include the step of fastening the motion drive system to the keel mounting flange. Further, that fastening may include drilling at least two holes in the keel mounting flange and securing the motion drive system to the keel mounting flange by engaging fasteners in the at least two holes.

In accordance with yet another aspect, a method for converting a non-motion decoy to a motion decoy comprises, consists of or consists essentially of: providing a kit, including a motion drive system adapted for mounting to the non-motion decoy, a fastener adapted for securing the motion drive system to the non-motion decoy and an instruction sheet for mounting the motion drive system to the non-motion duck decoy. Further, the method may include the step of providing a template for drilling holes in a keel of the non-motion duck decoy to allow mounting of the motion drive system to the keel of the non-motion duck decoy.

In accordance with an additional aspect, a kit is provided for converting a non-motion decoy into a motion decoy. That kit comprises, consists of or consists essentially of: (a) a motion drive system adapted for providing motion to a converted decoy, (b) a fastener adapted to secure the motion drive system to a body of the non-motion decoy and (c) instructions for completing the conversion of the non-motion decoy into a motion decoy.

In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the kit, the kit also includes a template adapted for drilling at least one mounting hole in a keel of the body of the non-motion duck decoy.

In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the kit, the kit includes a mounting bracket carried on the motion drive system and adapted to receive said fastener to secure the motion drive system at the at least one mounting hole in the keel.

In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the kit, the motion drive system includes (a) a bilge pump and (b) a timer and controller adapted for controlling operation of the bilge pump.

In one or more of the many possible embodiments of the kit, the motion drive system further includes a power source adapted to power the bilge pump. That power source may comprise a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable capacitor or combinations thereof.

Still further, the kit may include a water tight case that holds the power source, and the timer and controller.

In the following description, there are shown and described several preferred embodiments of the method and kit for converting a non-motion decoy to a motion decoy. As it should be realized, the method and kit are capable of other, different embodiments and their several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the method and kit as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a kit for converting a non-motion swimming duck decoy to a motion swimming duck decoy.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of the motion drive system included in the kit and adapted to provide motion to the converted non-motion decoy.

FIGS. 3A-3E are a series of illustration depicting the method of converting a non-motion swimming duck decoy to a motion swimming duck decoy.

More particularly, FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of an unaltered or intact non-motion swimming duck decoy including a full weighted keel.

FIG. 3B is view similar to FIG. 3A but showing the weighted portion of the keel cut and removed from the non-motion swimming duck decoy.

FIG. 3C illustrates how the template of the kit is positioned against the flange portion of the keel remaining on the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy. This is done in order to mark the position to drill one or more holes in the flange that are adapted to mount the motion drive system to the non-motion swimming duck decoy thereby converting the non-motion swimming duck decoy to a motion decoy.

FIGS. 3D and 3E are respective side elevational and bottom plan views illustrating how the motion drive system is properly oriented and mounted to the body of the duck decoy.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a kit for converting a non-motion feeding duck decoy to a motion feeding duck decoy.

FIGS. 5A-5E are a series of illustrations depicting the method of converting a non-motion feeding duck decoy to a motion feeding duck decoy.

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of an unaltered or intact non-motion feeding duck decoy including a full weighted keel.

FIG. 5B is view similar to FIG. 5A but showing the weighted portion of the keel cut and removed from the non-motion feeding duck decoy.

FIG. 5C illustrates how the mounting bracket on the motion drive system is used as a template and positioned against the flange portion of the keel remaining on the body of the non-motion feeding duck decoy. This is done in order to mark the position to drill one or more holes in the flange that are adapted to mount the motion drive system to the non-motion feeding duck decoy thereby converting the non-motion feeding duck decoy to a motion feeding duck decoy.

FIG. 5D is a view similar to FIG. 5C but showing the mounting bracket removed and the mounting holes drilled in the flange portion of the keel that remained attached to the body of the feeding duck decoy.

FIG. 5E shows the motion drive system fully mounted to the body of the non-motion feeding duck decoy thereby converting that decoy to a motion feeding duck decoy.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the method and kit for converting a non-motion duck decoy to a motion duck decoy, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which illustrates a new kit 10 for converting a non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, into a motion swimming duck decoy MSD, as illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E. The kit 10 includes a motion drive system 12, a template 14, a fastener 16 and an instruction sheet 18.

More particularly, the motion drive system 12 is adapted for providing motion to the non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD thereby converting that decoy to a motion swimming duck decoy MSD. The motion drive system 12 includes a bilge pump 20, a power source 22, for powering the bilge pump, and a timer and controller 24, for controlling the operation of the bilge pump. See also FIG. 2. The power source 22 may comprise a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable capacitor or a combination of the two. A water tight case 26 protects the power source 22 and the timer and controller 24 from contact with water that would otherwise short out the electrical circuit.

The template 14 is adapted in a manner described in greater detail below to allow one to identify where to drill one or more holes H in the flange F of the keel K on the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD in order to allow the proper mounting of the motion drive system 14 to the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy.

In the illustrated embodiment, the kit 12 also includes a mounting bracket 28 having a strap clamp/first section 30 depending from the bilge pump discharge conduit 32 and a rubber coated clamp/second section 34 depending from the water tight casing 26. The fasteners 16 comprise two screws 36 and cooperating lock nuts 38 that anchor the bracket sections 30, 34 to the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD in a manner described in detail below.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3E which illustrate the method of converting a non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD, as illustrated in FIG. 3A to a motion swimming duck decoy MSD as illustrated in FIGS. 3D and 3E using the kit 10.

First one uses a saw, knife or other cutting device to cut the keel K on the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD along the line L illustrated in FIG. 3A. In this way, the weighted portion WP of the keel K is removed while the flange portion F of the keel is retained to the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD (see FIG. 3B).

Next, the template 14 is positioned along the flange F as shown in FIG. 3C in order to identify the proper position for the drilling of one or more holes H in the flange to allow for the mounting of the motion drive system 12. The template 14 may include two holes 15 to allow two holes H to be cut into the flange F as illustrated in FIG. 3C. Next, the motion drive system 12 is aligned along the flange F so that the holes 40 in the bracket sections 30, 34 align with the holes H cut in the flange F. The screws 36 are then inserted through the aligned holes 40, H and the cooperating locking nuts 38 are then tightened on the screws in order to complete the connection of the motion drive system 12 to the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD and thereby convert that decoy to a motion swimming decoy MSD. See FIGS. 3D and 3E.

The motion drive system 12 includes a waterproof power/charging plug 42 projecting from the water tight casing 26. When not in use, a charger (not shown) may be connected to the plug 42 in order to charge the power source 22 without having to remove the power source from the water tight casing 26. The motion drive system 12 also includes a power cable 44 connected to the bilge pump 20 and the timer and controller 24. One connects the electrical connector 46 at the end of the power cable 44 to the plug 42 in order to activate the bilge pump 20 and the timer and controller 24. When the now motion swimming duck decoy MSD is positioned in the water, the bilge pump 20 first sucks in water through an intake (not shown) before discharging that water under force rearwardly through the discharge conduit 32 and the nozzle 48, propelling the motion swimming decoy forward. Note how the end of the nozzle 48 opens oriented slightly upward to better create a splashing action of the water in order to better mimic a live duck.

The motion swimming decoy MSD may include an anchor weight (not shown) of a type known in the art that is attached to the keel K and rests on the bottom of the pond or other water feature in which the decoy is positioned to limit movement of the decoy into a generally circular path with the sharp turns of the decoy drawing the attention of ducks in the area and luring them in. The timer and controller 24 may be adjusted to periodically interrupt power to the bilge pump 20 causing the motion swimming duck decoy MSD to occasionally pause before once again swimming about.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which illustrates a kit 10 for converting a non-motion feeding duck decoy NFD into a motion feeding duck decoy MFD. The kit 10 includes a motion drive system 12, a fastener 16 and an instruction sheet 18.

More particularly, the motion drive system 12 is adapted for providing motion to the non-motion feeding duck decoy NFD thereby converting that decoy to a motion feeding duck decoy MFD. The motion drive system 12 includes a bilge pump 20, a power source 22, for powering the bilge pump, and a timer and controller 24, for controlling the operation of the bilge pump. See also FIG. 2. The power source 22 may comprise a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable capacitor or a combination of the two. A water tight case 26 protects the power source 22 and the timer and controller 24 from contact with water that would otherwise short out the electrical circuit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the kit 12 also includes a mounting bracket 28 depending from the water tight casing 26. The mounting bracket 28 functions like the template 14 of the previously described embodiment and is adapted in a manner described in greater detail below to allow one to identify where to drill one or more holes H in the flange F of the keel K on the body of the non-motion feeding duck decoy NFD in order to allow the proper mounting of the motion drive system 12 to the body of the non-motion feeding duck decoy.

The fasteners 16 comprise two screws 36 and cooperating lock nuts 38 that anchor the mounting bracket 28 to the body of the non-motion swimming duck decoy NSD in a manner described in detail below.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5E which illustrate the method of converting a non-motion feeding duck decoy NFD, as illustrated in FIG. 5A to a motion feeding duck decoy MFD as illustrated in FIG. 5E using the kit 10.

First one uses a saw, knife or other cutting device to cut the keel K on the body of the non-motion feeding duck decoy NFD along line L illustrated in FIG. 5A. In this way, the weighted portion WP of the keel K is removed while the flange portion F of the keel is retained to the body of the non-motion feeding duck decoy NFD (see FIG. 5B).

Next, the mounting bracket 28 is positioned along the flange F as shown in FIG. 5C in order to identify the proper position for the drilling of one or more holes H in the flange to allow for the mounting of the motion drive system 12. Two holes H may be cut into the flange F as illustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D. Next, the motion drive system 12 is aligned along the flange F so that the holes 40 in the mounting bracket 28 align with the holes H cut in the flange F. The screws 36 are then inserted through the aligned holes 40, H and the cooperating locking nuts 38 are then tightened on the screws in order to complete the connection of the motion drive system 12 to the body of the non-motion feeding duck decoy NFD and thereby convert that decoy to a motion feeding decoy MFD. See FIG. 5E.

The Motion drive system 12 includes a waterproof power/charging plug 42 projecting from the water tight casing 26. When not in use, a charger (not shown) may be connected to the plug 42 in order to charge the power source 22 without having to remove the power source from the water tight casing 26. The motion drive system 12 also includes a power cable 44 connected to the bilge pump 20 and the timer and controller 24. One connects the electrical connector 46 at the end of the power cable 44 to the plug 42 in order to activate the bilge pump 20 and the timer and controller 24. When the now motion feeding duck decoy MFD is positioned in the water, the bilge pump 20 first sucks in water through an intake 50 before discharging that water under force upwardly through the discharge conduit 32 and the nozzle 44, so as to provide a display of splashing water to draw the attention of ducks in the area.

A cable tether 52 may be carried on the casing 26 to tether the motion feeding duck decoy MFD in a desired position and/or aid in handling the decoy. A clip 54 at the end of the tether 562 allows attachment to the receiver 56 on the casing 26 or to other objects.

The motion feeding decoy MFD may include an anchor weight (not shown) of a type known in the art that may be attached to the tether 52 and rests on the bottom of the pond or other water feature in which the decoy is positioned to limit movement of the decoy from the desired position. The timer and controller 24 may be adjusted to periodically interrupt power to the bilge pump 20 causing the motion swimming duck decoy MSD to occasionally pause before once again splashing. Each of the following terms written in singular grammatical form: “a”, “an”, and the”, as used herein, means “at least one”, or “one or more”. Use of the phrase One or more” herein does not alter this intended meaning of “a”, “an”, or “the”. Accordingly, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of the stated entity or object, unless otherwise specifically defined or stated herein, or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrases: “a unit”, “a device”, “an assembly”, “a mechanism”, “a component, “an element”, and “a step or procedure”, as used herein, may also refer to, and encompass, a plurality of units, a plurality of devices, a plurality of assemblies, a plurality of mechanisms, a plurality of components, a plurality of elements, and, a plurality of steps or procedures, respectively.

Each of the following terms: “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, “comprises”, and “comprising”, and, their linguistic/grammatical variants, derivatives, or/and conjugates, as used herein, means “including, but not limited to”, and is to be taken as specifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition of one or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s), parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof.

The phrase “consisting of”, as used herein, is closed-ended and excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specifically mentioned. The phrase “consisting essentially of”, as used herein, is a semi-closed term indicating that an item is limited to the components specified and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of what is specified.

The term “method”, as used herein, refers to steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, either known to, or readily developed from known steps, procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, by practitioners in the relevant field(s) of the disclosed invention.

The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed:
 1. A method for converting a non-motion decoy into a motion decoy, comprising: removing at least a portion of a keel from the non-motion decoy; properly orienting a motion drive system relative to a body of the non-motion decoy; and mounting the motion drive system to the body in order to convert the non-motion decoy into a motion decoy.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the removing of at least a portion of the keel includes cutting the at least a portion of the keel from the body of the non-motion decoy.
 3. The method of claim 2, further including using a bracket to mount the motion drive system to the body of the decoy.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the removing of at least a portion of the keel includes cutting the weighted portion of the keel from the keel mounting flange that is left attached to the body.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the mounting of the motion drive system includes fastening the motion drive system to the keel mounting flange.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the fastening includes drilling at least two holes in the keel mounting flange and securing the motion drive system to the keel mounting flange by engaging fasteners in the at least two holes.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein mounting the motion drive system to the body includes drilling at least two holes in the keel mounting flange and securing the motion drive system to the keel mounting flange by engaging fasteners in the at least two holes.
 8. A method for converting a non-motion decoy into a motion decoy, comprising: providing a kit including a motion drive system adapted for mounting to the non-motion duck decoy, a fastener adapted for securing the motion drive system to the non-motion duck decoy and an instruction sheet for mounting the motion drive system to the non-motion duck decoy.
 9. The method of claim 8, further including providing a template for drilling holes in a keel of the non-motion duck decoy to allow mounting of the motion drive system to the keel of the non-motion duck decoy.
 10. A kit for converting a non-motion decoy into a motion decoy, comprising: a motion drive system adapted for providing motion to a converted decoy; a fastener adapted to secure the motion drive system to a body of the non-motion decoy; and instructions for completing the conversion of the non-motion decoy into a motion decoy.
 11. The kit of claim 10, further including a mounting template adapted for drilling at least one mounting hole in a keel of the body of the non-motion decoy.
 12. The kit of claim 11, further including a mounting bracket carried on the motion drive system and adapted to receive said fastener to secure the motion drive system at the at least one mounting hole in the keel.
 13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the motion drive system includes a bilge pump and a timer and controller adapted for controlling operation of the bilge pump.
 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the motion drive system further includes a power source adapted to power the bilge pump.
 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable capacitor or a combination thereof.
 16. The kit of claim 15, further including a bit adapted for drilling a hole in the body of the non-motion decoy wherein the hole is adapted for receiving the fastener.
 17. The kit of claim 15, further including a water tight case holding the power source and the timer and controller.
 18. The kit of claim 16, further including a cutting device adapted for cutting off at least a portion of a keel of the body of the decoy before mounting the motion drive system to the body of the decoy.
 19. The kit of claim 10, wherein the motion drive system further includes a power source adapted to power the bilge pump.
 20. The kit of claim 17, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable capacitor or a combination thereof. 